What Can Help If You Have Mastalgia ?
January 20, 2009 by rainier
What Causes Breast Pain ?
The cause of breast pain is not known but it may be related to:
• Hormonal changes
• Fibrocystic changes in the breast
• Cysts in the breast
• Inflammation of the breast bone and ribs
If you already have breast pain, being pregnant does not usually change it.
Are There Any Supplements Or Herbs That Might Help If You Have Mastalgia?
Vitamins E and B6 have not been proven to be helpful in the treatment of mastalgia.Herbs for the treatment of mastalgia have not been well researched. They cannot be recommended at this time. In fact,ginseng may cause breast pain.
Evening primrose oil. A few studies have shown a dose of 3000 mg a day to be helpful in treating breast pain. However,the best studies do not support its use. Talk with a pharmacist about any possible side eff ects or drug interactions.
Flaxseed. Two tablespoons of crushed fl axseed (not fl axseed oil) taken daily for 3 months was found to be eff ective for cyclical breast pain in one study. Talk with a pharmacist about any possible side effects or drug interactions.
What Can I Do If I Have Mastalgia ?
• Have a complete breast examination. Knowing that you don’t have cancer often makes it easier to cope with the pain.
• Keep track of the pain. Keep a daily diary and write down if you have pain and if it is mild, moderate or severe. Record the fi rst day of your menstrual period. It may be helpful to mark down any days you have increased stress.
• Make sure you are wearing the right type and size of bra. The bra should give good support. If in doubt you can go to a store that can fi t you for a bra.
• Look for ways to reduce stress and relax.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about pain medication. Ones that may help are ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin);acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol); diclofenac gel – a nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory medication (by prescription).
